Wheeling Jesuit's Annual Research & Scholarship Symposium Set for April 4

Alumnus Kevin Melody '05 to Give Keynote Address

WHEELING, W.Va., March 9, 2017 - Wheeling Jesuit University's 18th annual Student Research & Scholarship Symposium, set for Tuesday, April 4, will showcase the scholarly work of more than 100 current students and welcome alumnus Kevin Melody as the keynote speaker.

The research symposium is a day for students in all majors to present their research and be judged for the work they have done. The day-long event will kick-off with an opening ceremony at 9 a.m., which includes Melody's talk. The opening event will be held in Troy Theater.

“This year, a record number of students - more than 150 - will present original research to the judges and their fellow students. We hope that members of the Wheeling community will visit campus April 4 to see the good work our students are doing,” said Dr. Bryan Raudenbush, professor of psychology and director of undergraduate research at WJU.

Melody, WJU class of 2005 biology major, will present, “Research in Progress: Honest Results from a Life in Science.”

“When a former student has had an extraordinary start to their career, as Kevin has, it is always a pleasure to re-connect with them by inviting them to be the keynote speaker at each year's event. Kevin has a wonderful track record, beginning at WJU, and we are excited to hear about his post-WJU adventures and experiences,” Raudenbush added.

During his tenure at WJU, Melody participated in social outreach organizations such as Circle K, Appalachian Experience Club and the Mother Jones House. He also was involved in Campus Activities Board, student government and served as the mascot for three years.

Melody said, “Research Day provides WJU students with a much-needed experience as to what research work can be like after they graduate. I look forward to speaking with the students during Research Day, sharing my involvement in scientific work and discussing the many opportunities that are available after graduation.

Following graduation, the Keyser, West Virginia native attended Louisiana State University where he completed a masters of science degree in fisheries in 2008. His research focused on foodborne pathogen remediation in oysters. He then worked three years as an animal caretaker at the USDA National Center for Cool and Cold Water Aquaculture, helping to manage rainbow trout genetic lines for a variety of research goals.

Following Melody's presentation, research presentations begin with a full schedule of both morning and afternoon expositions. This includes a 12:30-2 p.m. a poster session in the Alma Grace McDonough Center, as well as a fine arts display in the Kirby Hall Art Gallery. Check wju.edu/academics/symposium for a complete schedule of events.

Undergraduates from all academic fields take part in the symposium and present their original research in both speech and poster format. Students then receive valuable feedback from faculty, students, administrators and others as they learn to defend their scholarly work.

All day and evening classes are canceled for the day to allow students to participate in all the day's activities. Awards are presented at the concluding ceremony, which begins at 6:30 p.m. in Troy Theater.

The day ends with the annual competition for the Rev. Frank R. Haig, S.J. Science Award at 7 p.m., in the Acker Science Center. Senior finalists will compete for the Haig Award, with the winner announced at commencement on May 6. The Haig winner receives a medal, along with a $2,500 cash award.

Founded in 1954, Wheeling Jesuit University continues its history of educating students in the Catholic, Jesuit tradition and is consistently ranked as one of America's top regional colleges by U.S. News & World Report and other organizations.